Hunter glanced up as the sound of the gate screeched across the arena. Cher Bear was led into the show pen, his head held high as if daring anyone to underbid on him.
“Now, he’s not a spring chicken, but rest assured he’s still got it …”
The rest of the announcer’s words disappeared into the ether, and Hunter rounded on his dad.
“What’s Cher Bear doing here?” he demanded.
Dad took a pull from his soda and leaned back on an elbow on the empty row behind them. “Seems Zoey was short on her third of the payment on the land. She needed to raise some capital.”
Hunter’s head whipped back to the horse as the attendant had him lunge circles. He was a beautiful sight. Hunter pointed. “Zoey loves that horse more than anything else in this world.”
“’Cept maybe you.” Dad nodded slowly. “She signed indefinite grazing rights over to the Westbrook family. She’s not even making us pay. I tried. I argued with her that we’d been paying for them for years and it wasn’t a hardship. But she refused.”
Hunter opened and closed his fists. His brain was spinning so fast with this new information that he had a hard time grabbing on.
“Of course, that’s all contingent on her actually being able to afford the land.” Dad took another drink. He kept his eyes on the can. “Right now, she’s fifteen grand short.”
Fifteen grand … Fifteen grand … Hunter’s head whipped up to take in Cher Bear. He wasn't worth fifteen grand. If he was five years younger, maybe. Then again, there were barrel horses going for three times that in private sales. He pounded his fist on the bleacher. “Why didn’t she come to me? I could have helped her sell him.”
“Probably the same reason you haven’t gone after her,” Dad answered.
“Pride.” Hunter deflated.
“I was going to say fear.” Dad smiled softly. “But real love isn’t afraid, son. You reach for that love for her, and you’ll find that there’s no room to be afraid.”
Hunter nodded. He’d been pushing those feelings away for days, trying to get them out of his system.
“We’ll start the bidding at six grand. Do I hear six grand? You there, in the blue shirt …”
Hunter closed his eyes and opened his heart. His chest expanded with the love he had for Zoey. They weren’t perfect—they weren’t even perfect together. But they were in love, and it was a love that was bigger than any fear he’d had.
Bolting to his feet, he held his hat in the air. “I bid fifteen grand.”
The crowd went still.
Normally, Hunter wasn’t one for speeches, but he had something to say. “That horse—” He pointed his hat toward Cher Bear. “—belongs to the woman I love, and if you think I’m letting any of you take it home, you’re gonna have a really bad day.” He shoved his hat on his head and glared at anyone who dared make eye contact with him.
Pretty soon, everyone was looking at the dirt.
The announcer chuckled. “I’m not even going to ask once or twice. I’m saying he’s sold!”
All downcast eyes and tucked chins lifted as people cheered for Hunter. Several people stood up and pounded him on the back in congratulations.
When he finally sat down, Dad was chuckling beside him.
“Aw, knock it off.” Hunter shoved his shoulder. He was grinning and couldn’t stop. “Let’s get out of here. I have a horse to deliver.”
Dad laughed. “You gotta buy him first.” He wrapped his arm around Hunter’s soldiers. “It’s good to have you back.”
Hunter laughed. “I may be broke, but I’m as happy as I’ve ever been. Let’s hope Zoey is as miserable as me.”
Dad laughed again. “Get on down there and pay for that horse.”
Hunter hurried to the buyer’s stand. The faster he paid, the faster he’d be at Zoey’s.
* * *
Hunter’s palmswere slick and he had to wipe them on his jeans as he drove the truck and trailer over to Zoey’s. He’d dropped off his dad after enduring a five-minute lecture on being nice and not letting her get his ire up.
